Company uniforms: Do it right, or don’t do it at all

Clients will form their opinion on the quality of the product or service you are offering based on the first interaction with your team. Team members will wake up each day and be reminded when getting dressed who they work for and what that represents. Are they excited and motivated to put on their uniform? Does it resonate with what your company stands for?

Companies that are disconnected from their purpose and objectives, are price driven and not process or quality driven and don’t think through the details often end up with an ill-fitting uniform that not only looks bad but makes their team feel bad. This ends up being a costly exercise, resulting in poor team culture and attitude, and is damaging to your brand.

A great uniform reflects the changing market, exudes confidence, has a contemporary feel and inspires employees. Like any element of brand and marketing, a uniform design and implementation needs to be well thought out and planned.

How to ensure you get it right

1. Need identification

   Have a thorough understanding of the who, why, when and where. Understand your company’s requirements – who is wearing the uniform, why, when it is required and within what budget. The clearer the brief the more fit for purpose the product and service. Ensure your team not only stands out but are happy with the new designs.

2. Colour, fabric and fit

   Talk to the experts and ask for suggestions on the latest fabrics and fits that have been tried and tested in your industry. Don’t try and reinvent the wheel as uniforms need to be fit for purpose and practical, so if it works for others it will work for your team.

   We put a lot of emphasis on colour when designing a uniform, ensuring the colours chosen are flattering to all skin tones and body shapes, consistent with branding and stand out in the environment they are being worn in. The colour scheme with uniforms, as with interiors, can make or break the design and take it from great to terrible very quickly.

3. Range planning

   Tell the whole story from top to toe. If you spend time creating a look, it needs to take into consideration all factors. What trousers are they expected to wear? Is there a requirement for a cap or beanie? Will staff need a winter wear option? There is no point creating a fabulous shirt or polo only to have it covered up with a hot pink jumper which is off-brand and not communicating the consistent story of your brand.

4. The devil is in the detail

   Ensure there is a company uniform policy outlining dress standards. Should the shirt be worn tucked in our left out? What type and colour shoes are acceptable? what is the jewellery policy?

   Unfortunately, common sense isn’t always common and when taking the time to create your team image through uniform it is even more important to follow that through with the detail of how it should or shouldn’t be worn.

An outfit can speak a thousand words and when repeated correctly by each employee; the message to clients and the public is priceless.